USPA NEWS - For their 44th Creation, the Company Alexis Gruss is celebrating the 250 Year Anniversary of the Circus Piste. From Phillip Astley to Nowadays. This Piece, consisting of 5 Acts and 29 Scenes, with the Aim of Paying Tribute to All the Creatures of the Equestrian Circus through Numbers that represent Moments that marked its Fascinating History.

For their 44th Creation, the Company Alexis Gruss is celebrating the 250 Year Anniversary of the Circus Piste. From Phillip Astley to Nowadays. This Piece, consisting of 5 Acts and 29 Scenes, with the Aim of Paying Tribute to All the Creatures of the Equestrian Circus through Numbers that represent Moments that marked its Fascinating History. This Creation will unite in the Ring the 40 Horse Artists of the Calvary of Alexis Gruss, 15 Artists, a Live Orchestra of 10 Musicians, and a Singer and Narrator. Produced by Stephan Gruss, choreographed by Sadrine Diard ; Original Music & Arrangements by Sylvian Rolland, Pascal Balzano, Cyril Moret et Massimo Murgia, Lighting Creations by Jean- charles Pfauwadel ; Costumes by Bruno Fatalot made in the “Atelier MBV Paris”.

- First Part : Circus was born around Horses
* Act I : Once apon a time in 1765
* Act II : Philip Ashley, Creator of the Circus
* Act III : Antonio Franconi, Spiritual Father of French Circus
* Act IV : Andrew Ducrow, François Baucher, Universal References of the Piste

- Second Part : The Gruss Dynasty
* Act V : Roots and Wings

ALEXIS GRUSS ORIGINES Source: Alexis Gruss

Charles Gruss Source: Alexis Gruss

Military Scroll Source: Alexis Gruss

As Definition : A Circus is a Company of Performers who put on Diverse Entertainment Shows that may include Clowns, Acrobats, Trained Animals, Trapeze Acts, Musicians, Dancers, Hoopers, Tightrope Walkers, Jugglers, Magicians, Unicyclists, as well as Other Object Manipulation and Stunt-Oriented Artists. PHILIP ASTLEY is credited with being the Father of the Modern Circus when he opened the First Circus in 1768 in England. A Skilled Equestrian, Astley demonstrated Trick Riding, Riding in a Circle rather than a Straight Line as his Rivals did, and thus chanced on the Format which was later named a "Circus". In 1770 he hired Acrobats, Tightrope Walkers, Jugglers and a Clown to fill in the Pauses between Acts. As Styles of Performance have developed since the time of Astley, so too have the Types of Venues where these Circuses have performed.

ANTONIO FRANCONI (1738 in Venice, Italy - 1836 in Paris, France) was an Italian Equestrian. He started as a Juggler and Wandering Physician, then arranged Bullfights in Lyon and Bordeaux. In 1783, he associated with the English Horse Rider Philip Astley who had opened a Riding School in Paris and founded an Equestrian Theater named Cirque Olympique (French, Olympic circus), which acquired an Impressive Reputation. His Sons and Grandsons continued to attract the Public with the Talent of their Squired and the Perfection of their Showmanship in their Fantasy and Military Plays.

Geoffrey - Double Wire Source: Alexis Gruss

Alexis Gruss Source: Alexis Gruss

Stephane & Phirmin Gruss Source: Alexis Gruss

ANDREW DUCROW (1793–1842) was a British Circus Performer, often called the "Father of British Circus Equestrianism" and "the Colossus of Equestrians". He was the Originator of Horsemanship Acts and Proprietor of Astley's Amphitheatre . Ducrow was trained by his Father who had immigrated to England from Belgium in 1793. The "Courier of St. Petersburg", his Most Famous Act, was the Forerunner to Modern Horse Acts and is still performed Today at Equestrian Events. Ducrow performed within the United Kingdom and in Europe, including in Famous Venues such as Covent Garden and Drury Lane. He is Most Famous as the Proprietor of Astley’s Amphitheatre, where he was also the Chief Performer. Referred to by some as "The Chippendales of his Day," Ducrow and his Sons would dress in "Fleshings" (Flesh-Coloured Body Stockings) and would perform Physique Poses posed as Plastiques while standing upon the Rumps of White Stallions which could carry them round the Amphitheatre Several Times.

FRANCOIS BAUCHER (1796–1873) was a French Riding Master whose Methods are still debated by Dressage Enthusiasts Today. His Philosophy of Training the Horse changed Dramatically over the Course of his Career and is often considered in Two Distinct Phases or "Manners." Baucher published a Number of Works on Equitation, including the "Dictionnaire raisonné d'équitation" (Reasoned Dictionary Of Equitation) in 1833 ; The "Dialogues Sur l'Equitation" (Dialogues On Equitation) with Louis Charles Pellier, in 1835 ; and The "Passe-Temps Equestres" (Equestrian Pastimes) in 1840. François Baucher's most Celebrated Work is The "Méthode d'Equitation Basée Sur De Nouveaux Principes" (Method Of Riding Based On New Principles) ; the Earliest Extant Edition is the Third, published in 1842. The Numerous Following Editions up to 1863, when his Contract with his Publishers expired, are essentially reprints of the Same Book. The 12th Edition, published in 1864 and called the "Deuxième Manière" (Second Manner) contained Notable Changes from his Original Method, and was continued in his 13th Edition published in 1868.

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